Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever

If you're designing an area for children to share, outfitting a dorm or simply maximizing your space, bunk beds are versatile and more stylish than ever. There are a variety of styles to think about, including twin-over-twin and full-over-full options.

Look for one that fits your budget and your kids room dimensions. Also, keep in mind that certain bunks can accommodate beds that trundle down for sleepovers.

Size

Bunk beds are an essential part of bedrooms for children, providing both efficiency and adventure for children who wish to sleep together. They are also common in shared rooms and vacation homes. Bunk beds come in a range of styles and materials, with options that will fit any budget and size of room. Our bunk bed picks range from basic twin over twin constructions to more elaborate designs with stairs or ladders and unique features such as slides.

When we scoured the market to select our top choices we looked at a variety of factors such as the overall design and safety as well as value. We also enlisted experts--parents and one who wrote the book on bunk beds to help us source the best choices. Discover our seven favorites by reading on.

The size of bunk beds is an important consideration before making a purchase, especially in relation to the height of your ceiling. Always measure your space to ensure the bunks you choose are suitable, and leave at least 5 inches of headroom on the top bunk. We also recommend against trundles bed trundles with high-hanging mattress as they could limit headroom.

Another factor to consider is whether you prefer ladders or stairs to get to the top bunk. Stairs can be more easy to climb and safer, but they can take up more space on the floor than ladders. Ladders aren't as bulky, but they are also more cost-effective. They can be too steep for children.

You should also pay attention to the weight capacity of the top bunk mattress, that is listed on the product's page. This information is typically displayed next to the dimensions of the mattress. A higher weight capacity usually indicates the bunk is suitable for older kids or adults who require a bigger mattress.

A versatile bunk bed option The Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three designs to fit with your kids bedroom decor. White snow brings a vibrant coastal look to a classic kids' room while brushed gray and rich walnut add warmth and class to a rustic or farmhouse style.

Safety

When shopping for a bunk bed it's important to look beyond the price tag and ensure it is equipped with the safety features that are required. A reputable seller lists the weight capacity and explains the structure's durability and strength. This is especially helpful for families who plan to re-use the beds as their children get older.

Rebecca Simon, a designer at Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids suggests leaving 33-36 inches between the mattress's top and the ceiling. "If you don't have room to accommodate that much space, you might want to consider a low-height bunk," she adds. "That's a great option for a small space as it keeps the lower bunk off the floor. That can be uncomfortable for kids as they become older."

Another consideration is deciding the amount of space you have available for stairs or ladders. While a bunk with stairs built in can reduce space, it can also be costly and require more assembly time. If you're short of space, you can opt for a ladder that is simple and will still allow your kids to climb safely to the top bunk.

The bunks on this list are all made of sturdy construction, and they are in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's requirements for guardrails. These bunks also have passed lead and anti-tip tests which is a great relief for parents with children who share a room. For example, the metal-and-wood Room & Board model is "built like a tank," says Laura Fenton who is the author of The Bunk Bed Book: The Bunk Bed Book: 115 Bunks, Lofts, and Cozy Nooks. These are the same beds that hotels use, so they are built to last.

If you're looking for a bunk that will grow with their children This trundle-style model from Bed Bath & Beyond converts into two twin beds that are separate for tweens and teens. It's the only non-wood bunk bed on this list, and its solid steel frame is extremely light for such a heavy-duty piece of furniture. It's available in a broad selection of colors, and can be customised with other accessories, like under-bed storage drawers.

Style

Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes and shapes that you can pick one that is suitable for your family's space. For example there are traditional twin-overtwin bunks as well as specialized configurations such as queen-over-twin or twin-over-queen beds. Some are made of steel and others are made of wood and include side rails for the top bunk. The design of the frame and other features may also differ and you'll need to think about the amount of storage you require as well as what style you like the most.

When you are considering the price, bear in mind that the higher the price point of a bunk bed the more customizable it can be, Klugh says. This could mean adding extras such as a staircase or ladder. This could also include the possibility of adding an extra bed for guests or sleepovers. Some models can be disassembled to function as two separate beds. This is a useful feature if you anticipate that your kids will outgrow bunks or you plan on moving to a different home in the future.

The number of beds you choose will also impact the price and style. For instance, you could select a basic twin over twin bunk bed, which maximizes the floor space and is affordable. You can also invest more in a solid-wood bunk bed with an elegant, sturdy design that grows with your children and possibly accommodate adults in the future.

Whatever size and style you pick, it's important to check the capacity to bear weight of the bunk beds to ensure that they are able to support the number of sleepers you'll be using them for. Some bunk beds are only made for children and only support the weight of 165 pounds. Others have a higher limit and can accommodate growing children and adults.

Finally, it's worth noting that a bunk bed can be a significant investment, and therefore a major commitment. If you are unsure whether a bunk bed is right for your family, visit a retailer's showroom or read customer reviews on their website. This will give you a feel of the quality of the construction and the quality of the bunks are constructed.

Storage

Modern living requires furniture that can do more than just serve as a place to rest, study, and relax. Bunk beds that feature built-in storage options can meet this demand, transforming them into multi-purpose pieces that promote both function and fashion. Creative features like multifunctional staircases and integrated drawers provide easy access to clothing and bedding, toys, and other items that could otherwise occupy the room, keeping them neatly tucked away but easily accessible.

Loft beds with spacious desk areas can transform the space below them into a productive working space. These clever layouts allow remote workers or young students to be able to balance work, sleep and play without sacrificing the space they need.

Another useful option is the detachable bunks that can be separated into separate twin-size beds, ideal to accommodate guests at sleepovers or allowing children to move to single beds as they develop. Bunks with removable trundle beds can also accommodate older adults or children who prefer sleeping on a large mattress.

Finally, larger bunks that sleep three or four people are a smart investment for families looking to maximize space in small bedrooms with high ceilings. These types of bunks can also fit nicely into corners, allowing homeowners to make use of awkward nooks which would otherwise be unused.

The kind of material and color your bunk bed is made from will affect its overall appearance and feel. Wood bunks have a classic, timeless look that blends well into contemporary, coastal and farmhouse interiors. Steel bunks, on the other hand are a more contemporary choice that pairs beautifully with industrial and midcentury-inspired styles.

When shopping for a bunk bed, consider the height of your home's ceilings and any nearby windows or other architectural features. The smaller, more compact designs are more straightforward to put together and are suitable for younger children or teens who are preparing to transition from the junior or toddler bedroom. Meanwhile, taller bunks offer an airier, more sophisticated design and are ideal for older children or adults. Some designs feature side railings which allow for a greater clearance between the beds. This ensures safety and easy access for everyone.